Take action in Bennelong to #EvacuateNow

Thousands of Australians are calling the Prime Minister and their local MPs to #EvacuateNow

Follow the steps below to prepare and call candidates in Bennelong by-election.

Step 1: Prepare what you want to say

Think about what we stand for:

- We must treat people seeking asylum with fairness, dignity and respect- NOT deny basic support, vilify and intimidate with ever harsher Australian Border Force policies and behaviour

Tips for calling:

- State your name and let the person know who you are- Ask to speak with MP/ candidate or leave a message- Think carefully about your ask and make your pitch- Ask your MP to bring everyone on Manus and Nauru here and keep families together in Australia - Don’t rush and don’t worry about impatient staff – just stay relaxed, clear and polite.- Ask the staffer / candidate what they think - this helps open the conversation- Thank them

Sample Script:

Hello, my name is _____. I live in [suburb, electorate and state]

I am calling today to ask {name ] candidate to end the humanitarian crisis unfolding on Manus Island and Nauru by evacuating the 2000 refugees and people seeking asylum to Australia for medical treatment and safety.

Can I speak to the [candidate]?

Can I leave a message for [name]?

Does [name] know that refugees and people seeking asylum on Manus need medical treatment?

Does [name] know?

Australian officials are exerting political influence to deny and delay doctor's directions for people detained in Port Moresby, Manus and Nauru who need urgent medical treatment.

I ask [name] to acknowledge that thousands of Australians want leadership on human rights for refugees and people seeking asylum end human rights abuses and change Australia’s inhumane and abusive policy on people seeking asylum.

I want you to Evacuate Now everyone in indefinite mandatory detention offshore to Australia.

Thank you very much for your time. Please pass on my message urgently.

Step 2: Contact the candidate

Step 3: Share your experience

Tweet and post that you called your candidate, and what response was, tag the candidate. To receive updates and opportunities and take collective action with us click here.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) recognises the importance of protecting the privacy and the rights of individuals in relation to their personal or sensitive information. Our privacy policy and full collection statement is available online at asrc.org.au/privacy